Sentinel Mesa
Geology
Sentinel Mesa is a mesa composed of three principal strata. The bottom layer is Organ Rock Shale, the next stratum is De Chelly Sandstone, and the upper layer is Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The rock ranges in age from Permian at the bottom to Late Triassic at the top. The buttes and mesas of Monument Valley are the result of the Organ Rock Shale being more easily eroded than the overlaying sandstone.
Climate
Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit Sentinel Mesa. According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a semi-arid climate zone with cold winters and hot summers. Summers average 54 days above 90 °F (32 °C) annually, and highs rarely exceed 100 °F (38 °C). Summer nights are comfortably cool, and temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Winters are cold, but daytime highs are usually above freezing. Winter temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C) are uncommon, though possible. This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter.
Gallery
See also
References
- ^ "Sentinel Mesa". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "Sentinel Mesa - 6,460' UT". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "Sentinel Mesa, Utah". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ Monument Valley, City of Aztec, aztecnm.com, Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Monument Valley, Arizona, Arizona Geological Survey, Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ Climate Summary for Kayenta, Arizona
External links
- Weather forecast: Sentinel Mesa